How Sheffield United will vote at today's crucial Premier League summit
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Richard Bevan, chief executive of the League Managers’ Association, made the claim as representatives of the country’s leading 20 teams prepare for a key vote on ‘Project Restart’; a list of measures designed to ensure the 2019/20 season is completed rather than prematurely curtailed or declared null and void.
United, seventh in the table and preparing for an FA Cup quarter-final against Arsenal when the fixture calendar was suspended two months ago, have entered previous summits with an open mind; preferring to listen to the arguments presented before reaching a decision rather than approaching them with any preconceived ideas.
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Hide AdBut with manager Chris Wilder and a number of his players insisting the integrity of the competition will be damaged if finishing positions are decided on anything other than results, Bramall Lane’s representatives at today’s meeting are preparing to adopt a more hardline stance towards the latest round of talks.
Although they would prefer to host matches at Bramall Lane - where five of their remaining 10 games are scheduled to take place - Bevan’s assessment of the situation has resonated with United and the overwhelming majority of their top-flight rivals.
But some, including Brighton and Hove Albion, have voiced their opposition despite Bevan’s admission that “time isn’t on our side.”
With Prime Minister Boris Johnson announcing a slight easing of lockdown conditions during an address to the nation yesterday, the PL has been encouraged by government to compile a list of 10 grounds capable of hosting this season’s 92 remaining contests whilst adhering social distancing measures.
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Hide AdBramall Lane’s proximity to the city centre means it is unlikely to be used, meaning Wilder’s squad could be forced to continue their push for European qualification at Villa Park, the Etihad Stadium, Old Trafford or Molineux.
Speaking last month, Wilder acknowledged it is inevitable that spectators will be prohibited from attending games for the foreseeable future.